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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG on full alert from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4 as holiday sea travel peaks

PCG on full alert from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4 as holiday sea travel peaks

Published Dec 15, 2025 03:36 pm
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab (File photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab (File photo: PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on full alert from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4 as part of intensified security measures in ports and coastal areas with millions of Filipinos expected to travel by sea this Christmas and New Year.
PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said 15,000 coast guardians will be deployed to major ports, PCG stations, and coastal areas across the country in anticipation of around five million inbound and outbound passengers during the holiday season.
“The Philippine Coast Guard is fully prepared for the arrival of holiday travelers. From December 20 to January 4, the PCG will raise its alert status across all operating units as it expects millions of passengers,” Caybyab said in a radio interview on Monday, Dec. 15.
“Last year, nearly five million inbound and outbound travelers were recorded nationwide, and a similar number, or possibly more, is expected this year if weather conditions remain favorable throughout the holiday season,” she added.
The alert status will cover all 16 Coast Guard districts nationwide.
To prevent sea travel incidents, the PCG will tighten pre-departure and vessel safety inspections, particularly against overloading.
Cayabyab stressed that no vessel with excess passengers will be allowed to leave port in line with the directive of PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan.
Security measures will also be strengthened as Coast Guard K9 units will be fielded in ports in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and other law enforcement agencies. All passengers will undergo layered security inspections before boarding, Cayabyab noted.
Aside from port operations, the PCG will also set up “Malasakit” help desks in partnership with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), PPA, local government units, and the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA). Medical teams will be stationed at ports to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of the influx of tourists to beaches and coastal destinations, the PCG will also deploy rescue swimmers and lifeguards in beaches, tourist destinations, and similar areas.
Cayabyab said drowning incidents, though minimal last year, remain a concern especially cases involving individuals who had been drinking before swimming.
“Information campaigns and reminders are continuously being conducted for the public and beach owners. We urge them to always remind their guests that those who have been drinking should not engage in water activities such as swimming as this has been a common cause of incidents,” she said.
For smaller passenger boats and motorbancas, the PCG is coordinating closely with local governments to ensure strict compliance with safety rules. Passengers are required to wear life jackets at all times while operators are reminded to check weather advisories before sailing.
Cayabyab also urged travelers to buy tickets early, arrive at ports ahead of schedule, and avoid bringing prohibited items such as flammable materials, explosives, and sharp objects that could delay travel.

Related Tags

PCG Christmas New Year ports holiday sea travel Noemie Cayabyab
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